Tom Loeffler, Managing Director at K2 Promotions - there is no truth to a Daily Mail report that WBA/IBO middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin’s February 1 title defense in Monte Carlo will be against two-time world title challenger Martin Murray. “There is no truth to that story,” Loeffler said. “We have offered a fight to Murray in the past and they have not been interested.”

Golovkin is scheduled to fight February 1 in Monte Carlo, but the opponent is not finalized.

This. Murray doesn't want to fight Golovkin. So he should be ranked off top 10.

Only silver lining.. maybe, possibly, HBO wants Murray and GGG to fight in an American timezone. So we might see the winners of the Feb 1 bouts square off in May on a highly promoted HBO/MSG event. It might actually be HBO fault not Murray that they arent facing each other on the Feb card.

HBO will air Euro events now, but I suppose its understandable if theyd want Murray on during prime time since its the biggest promotion that can realistically be made with GGG until at least summer of 2014. Might be thinking of doing a "Road to GGG / Murray" and such, after all the "2 days" for GGG ratings did very well.

So as much as I want to see GGG and Murray ASAP, I think Murray probably deserves benefit of the doubt here once you consider HBO influence and the business angles. After giving it some consideration id say 90% chance or so that HBO offered both camps a big promotion for early 2014, with an eye towards vetting GGG drawing power for a possible PPV event for lineal later in 2014.

Only silver lining.. maybe, possibly, HBO wants Murray and GGG to fight in an American timezone. So we might see the winners of the Feb 1 bouts square off in May on a highly promoted HBO/MSG event. It might actually be HBO fault not Murray that they arent facing each other on the Feb card.

HBO will air Euro events now, but I suppose its understandable if theyd want Murray on during prime time since its the biggest promotion that can realistically be made with GGG until at least summer of 2014. Might be thinking of doing a "Road to GGG / Murray" and such, after all the "2 days" for GGG ratings did very well.

So as much as I want to see GGG and Murray ASAP, I think Murray probably deserves benefit of the doubt here once you consider HBO influence and the business angles. After giving it some consideration id say 90% chance or so that HBO offered both camps a big promotion for early 2014, with an eye towards vetting GGG drawing power for a possible PPV event for lineal later in 2014.

So his visa isn't going to be an issue anymore? What happened to Hatton saying they got him a title shot for Feb/March? The fight should have already happened and its yet another delay. There's no need for a build up it isnt a superfight he's the mandatory.

So his visa isn't going to be an issue anymore? What happened to Hatton saying they got him a title shot for Feb/March? The fight should have already happened and its yet another delay. There's no need for a build up it isnt a superfight he's the mandatory.

Visa wont be an issue with enough lead time. Murray I know had consulate meetings recently. Im thinking visa issues got worked out.

Your right it isnt a superfight, its just the biggest fight available. But its not the "biggest fight" angle im thinking of, its HBO having ample time to put together another "docutisement" for GGG for a "big" prime time event to build for a PPV event for lineal. Since a PPV with 7 figure or maybe even 8 figure guarantees is probably what will be needed to lure Martinez in the ring for his cash out.

That and HBO wants to beat SHO to the punch in taking their MW to the next level, and definitely wants to make sure they are in a position to get lineal shot first even if Rubio wins it. Otherwise SHO will get to parade around with WBC, WBO and lineal with a completely protected but lower tier fighter. I think Haymon offering Cotto such huge dollars to sink Martinez/Cotto shows the SHO side is thinking same thing. Haymon hoping Rubio can snag titles vs aging Martinez then be lured to SHO.

To prevent that, HBO going to have to dig deep for a huge promotion/purse whether its Martinez or Rubio. Which means if they dont want to lose their shorts, they need to do their best to ensure GGG can draw the PPV buys. Especially if its vs Rubio and GGG the only draw.

If you think of it from strictly a sporting perspective, or short term then delaying fight makes no sense. But if you think about it from a strategic marketing perspective, its actually the only plan that makes sense.